Joe Tests How Regular Car Services Kept Elite’s BMW 320D Running Strong

Long before most cars reach a quarter of a million miles, many have been traded in, broken down or retired from the road entirely. But every so often, a vehicle tells a different story; one shaped not by age, but by care.

That’s exactly what automotive YouTuber Joe Achilles discovered in his latest collaboration with Elite Garages, this time featuring a car with a remarkable history. Introducing Elite’s very own 2011 BMW 320D, owned from new and maintained meticulously for more than a decade.

It’s a car that now shows over 250,000 miles, yet continues to perform with surprising composure. And its longevity highlights a crucial message for all motorists: regular car maintenance isn’t optional but rather the single biggest factor in how long a car lasts.

This latest collaboration follows Joe’s previous video, where Elite Garages prepared his Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI for a 1,500-mile fuel efficiency challenge from Morocco to England. This adventure, completed on Michelin e-Primacy tyres, saw more than 1.2 million views, cementing the partnership as one of the most trusted in UK automotive content.

Now, Joe returns to explore how Elite maintains their own vehicles—starting with this high-mileage BMW.

Why Elite’s BMW 320D Was the Perfect Test Case for Regular Car Maintenance

A car like this doesn’t reach 250,000 miles by accident.

From its first year on the road, Elite Garages has looked after the BMW at every scheduled interval, using high-quality parts, premium fluids and preventative maintenance long before problems arise. It’s an ideal example of why the phrase “regular car maintenance” matters far more than most drivers realise.

To help viewers understand what proper care looks like, Joe visited Elite Garages Dorchester, where the BMW is currently being prepared for its next adventure—an ambitious trip to Munich, the car’s birthplace. Along the way, the high-mileage saloon will be tested against the standards it would have met when brand new.

What Elite Serviced on the BMW 320D

Joe watched as Elite’s Dorchester team performed essential maintenance using trusted brands and manufacturer-approved components:

• Bosch Parts: Reliable, consistent, and trusted by technicians for high-mileage engines.
• Comma 5W-30 Oil: High-quality oil is crucial for lubricating internal components, combating wear and keeping engines smooth—even after hundreds of thousands of miles.
• Michelin CrossClimate Tyres: Chosen for their all-season performance, grip and long-term durability, these tyres are critical for a car preparing for a cross-country journey.

Visit the website to explore our full range of tyre brands.

A Look at the BMW’s Impressive Service Record

Joe also reviewed the BMW’s full, uninterrupted service history; a testament to the long-term impact of sticking to regular car maintenance. The car’s reliability, smoothness and surprising refinement at this mileage demonstrate exactly why consistent servicing pays off. At Elite Garages, we service just about all makes and models, including our BMW servicing.

Why Regular Car Maintenance Matters More Than Mileage

The message Joe and Elite Garages emphasised is simple: It isn’t mileage that kills cars. It’s neglect.

A diesel engine like the 320D’s can comfortably exceed 300,000 miles if:

• oil is changed on schedule
• filters are replaced before clogging
• belts and water pumps are renewed preventatively
• brakes, suspension and safety items are serviced regularly
• tyres are replaced with premium options
• diagnostics are used early, not reactively

Elite recently wrote about a Toyota Corolla in New Zealand that surpassed a million miles thanks to consistent servicing. Read the full article here.

The Services That Keep High-Mileage Cars Running Smoothly

Our service packages are built around real customer needs, offering the same thorough checks you’d expect from a main dealer. Whether you choose our Bronze (Interim), Silver (Premium), or Gold (Major) service, each one gives your car the detailed care it needs at its stage of life.

As part of every service, our technicians inspect your vehicle for early signs of wear, especially on safety-critical areas like tyres and brakes. If we spot anything that requires attention, you’ll be contacted before any work goes ahead. And for your peace of mind, we keep all replaced parts for you to review. Explore all of Elite’s services, including wheel alignment, diagnostics, ADAS calibration, MOTs and more.

• Bronze Service — Basic but Essential: Ideal for interim checks, includes lubrication, oil top-ups, key safety checks and visual inspections.
• Silver Service — The Annual Essential: Perfect for 12,000-mile intervals, covering brakes, filters, major engine checks and more. This is the service Elite carried out on the BMW for Joe’s video.
• Gold Service — Maximum Reliability: A comprehensive biennial service including fluid changes, diagnostics, detailed inspections and deep mechanical checks—ideal for high-mileage and long-distance drivers.

More info here.

Joe’s Walkthrough: How the BMW Has Aged

Joe highlighted several impressive characteristics:

• Smooth engine performance
• Stable idle despite mileage
• Clean, corrosion-free underbody
• Confident braking and suspension
• Tidy overall condition
• The BMW still feels tight, composed and responsive—something only possible with regular car maintenance.

Michelin Tyres: A Key Part of Long-Term Reliability

Joe emphasised how important premium tyres are for a long-distance, high-mileage vehicle. Michelin CrossClimate tyres are perfect for this, offering the following:

• Reliable grip
• Strong wet-weather performance
• Low rolling resistance
• Extended lifespan

Shop for new Michelin tyres here.

Graham the Treaddybear Joins the Journey

Elite’s mascot, Graham the “Treaddybear”, makes a light-hearted appearance during the BMW’s inspection and will accompany Joe on the car’s upcoming Munich journey. We can all agree it certainly adds a touch of character to the series.

What This Collaboration Teaches Drivers AboutRegular Car Maintenance

1. Regular car maintenance is essential: Skipping services shortens the life of the vehicle.
2. Cheap parts = expensive problems later: Premium components ensure long-term reliability.
3. Tyres are a major part of safety: Especially for high-mileage or long trips.
4. Mileage isn’t the enemy: A poorly maintained car is.
5. Trustworthy technicians matter: Elite’s family-run history and expertise make all the difference.

What’s Next for the 250,000-Mile BMW?

Joe hints that this is only the beginning. Next up is a journey to Munich, with real-world testing, motorway miles, and an evaluation of how the BMW compares to its younger self. Here’s what to expect:

• efficiency testing
• performance comparisons
• long-distance driving insights
• a deeper look into longevity
• more moments with Graham

Final Thoughts: Regular Car Maintenance for Longevity

Joe Achilles and Elite Garages prove once again that regular car maintenance is the key to longevity, reliability and performance; helping to avoid some of the most expensive car problems. This 2011 BMW 320D, still going strong at over 250,000 miles, demonstrates that consistent care, and not luck, is what keeps a car on the road for decades.

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